Dominions

The dominions are so named because, being themselves free, they dominate over the rest of the angels that follow behind them. Having abandoned servile fear, as St. Dionysius the Areopagite says, they voluntarily and with joy serve God unceasingly. Also they send down power for prudent governing and wise management to authorities on the earth set up by God. Further they teach how to control the senses, how to subdue in oneself dissolute desires and passions, how to enslave the flesh to the spirit, and how to rule over one's will and be above all temptations.